Punjab polls: In key region Malwa, early voter turnout impressive

Ruchika M. Khanna
Chandigarh, February 20

In the crucial Malwa region of Punjab, which largely holds the key as to who would form the next government in Punjab, polling in the first two hours has remained largely peaceful.

Barring a few minor incidents, where the polling agents of different parties, complained about positions given to their rivals in polling booths and held minor protests, the polling has been going on smoothly. In all polling booths, the Election Commission has made elaborate arrangements to make the booths Covid-19 safe. Gloves and masks are being handed over to voters.

As The Tribune team traverses through Malwa region, having 69 of 117 assembly segments, voter turnout has been impressive. In Kurali, which falls in Kharar assembly seat, SAD candidate Ranjit Singh Gill, complained about a disagreement between presiding officer at Model Town booth and his polling agents, leading to some protests.

In Morinda, which falls in Chamkaur Sahib, the constituency represented by Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, booths in villages as well as the town had long queues. Even at the CM’s party booths, there was a huge rush, whereas almost negligible voters could be seen at booths of other parties.

In Bassi Pathana, where CM Channi’s brother Manohar Singh is contesting as independent against Congress official candidate and sitting MLA, Gurpreet Singh GP, the latter, who The Tribune met in village Kalaur, expressed confidence that he would win with a good margin although the former has a significant following in rural areas.

Across the region, however, election hustle remains almost absent as voters prefer to maintain silence. In Datarpur village, some village elders talk of “badlao”.